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Frequently Asked Questions
GeneralRetail Units
Dispatch UnitsAdditional Numbers
General
EAN stands for International Article Numbering. Formerly, it was called European Article Numbering because EAN originated in Europe. However, when it ventured out to other countries, outside of Europe, they decided to change its name. The acronym was retained because they are more popular with the name EAN.
How can we obtain barcodes for our products? The first thing to do is to apply for subscription with GS1 Philippines; with business address at #20 San Rafael St., Bo. Kapitolyo, Pasig City or you can inquire at telephone numbers (02)-637-0897 to 98.
What are the requirements for subscription? Please click here to go to the Subscription section.
No. As much as possible, GS1 Philippines would like to act as an individual entity. However, for the benefit of those who do not have any idea where to go, please refer to the list of available printers and film master makers.
Retail Units
Can we easily change the assigned number of a product item? As much as possible, manufacturers should avoid changing the assignment of number under normal circumstances. If the situation requires a number change, it should be carefully planned and communicated in advance to all distributors and end customers.
Can an item number be re-used to another item? An item number allocated to a product which has become obsolete or has been withdrawn from the market, must not be assigned to another item for at least 36 months or 3 years after discontinuing sales of the said product. This time period is needed to ensure that all distributors and customers have cleared inventory and computer database references to the old item. Re-use within a shorter time period may risk confusion of the old product with a completely different product to which the number is being reassigned.
How fast can I re-assign the item code to seasonal items? In the case of seasonal items, the re-assignment of numbers will depend on the life of that item. Thus, the company themselves will have to decide when to use the number to a new item bearing in mind the guidelines mentioned above.
In the case of promotional variants, can we not use the number for the same type of promotion? The number may be used after a reasonable period of time has lapsed since the end of the promotional drive.
If our imported products already have its barcodes, is it necessary for us to change them to our company number? No. The barcodes affixed to imported products, especially those bearing the EAN-13 standard, are internationally accepted.
Does a product bearing a UPC number must be changed to an EAN number? In most countries, scanners are programmed to read both the UPC & EAN codes. An alliance between the Uniform Code Council & the EAN International has been made so that the number used are compatible for both system.
How long does it take to apply for an EAN-8? EAN-8 will be granted 2 days after application as long as all the requirements for granting an EAN-8 is met.
Do I have to become a subscriber of an EAN Numbering Organization (now GS1) in every country that I operate in? No. One EAN Number subscription should meet all the identification & codification needs of a company. However, if there is a continuous need on EAN number support in other countries, it is then advisable to seek subscription in these countries too.
What is the purpose of the Check Digit? The Check Digit ensures the correctness of scanning. When the machine reads the 2nd up to the 13th digit, It will automatically compute for the check digit. If the check digit is wrong, then the scanner will not give any reading. Therefore, when the scanner emits a sound, it means that it has read the correct numbers.
I understand that the assignment of EAN-8 short number is limited up to 9999 numbers only in the Philippines. What will happen if all these numbers will be used up and all the products with previously assigned EAN-8 are out in the market? If all the numbers for EAN-8 short digits have already been used up and that all of them have already been assigned to specific products, then, GS1 Philippines will have to request for another series of numbers from EAN International (now GS1).
How do we compute for the Check Digit?
Therefore, the check digit is 7. The complete number is 4809876543217.
How do we assign a number for our item? The general rule for assigning a number is that 'Every product is assigned a number by 'sku' or stock keeping unit. A different number should be assigned to a product as long as there is a distinction between one product to the other.
Is there a standard size of the barcode symbol? Yes. The size of the barcode symbol is based on its nominal size or 100% magnification. It can be reduced to 80% and magnified to 200% of the nominal size.
Do I have to change my number every time I change the price of my product? No. There is no need to change the numbers assigned to a product every time there is a price change, whether temporary or not. Simply change the price in the computer database, but not the number. Remember that the article numbers assigned to your product refers to its identification number and not the price.
If I have a case or a carton that is being sold to retail stores and, at the same time, a shipping unit, what number system do I have to follow? The EAN-13 number system may be used for both retail and dispatch unit.
Where do we place the barcode symbol on our packaging? Please refer to the 'Location Guidelines Manual'.
If I have additional products, do I have to pay for another subscription? No. Companies are given series of product codes from 100 to 100,000 item numbers. They may consume all the numbers before requesting for additional codes. Refer to Additional Numbers.
For starters, can we initially use stickers to our package? Yes. However, it is advisable that the symbol be treated as part of the design if companies would like to reduce the incurred cost for printing.
What is the ideal color that can be used for the barcode symbol? The barcode symbol should always be printed with dark color over a light background. The perfect color combination would be Black on White.
If, for some reason black on white could not be used, other possible color combinations may be applied as long as the general rule is followed. Although red is a dark color, it is not acceptable for the color of the bars. It may, however, be used as a background.
You may refer to the color combinations below:
Dispatch Units
Where do we print the symbol for dispatch units? Dispatch symbologies should be printed on all four sides of the box at the lower right portion. If this is not possible for some reason, then, barcode must be printed on two adjacent sides of the box. For more details, please refer to the 'Location Guidelines Manual'.
Additional Numbers
What happens if a certain company's product/item code exceeded the allotted numbers given to them by GS1 Philippines? Additional EAN Prefix is available for all subscribers. Companies may have the option to retain the old number and maintain two prefixes or cancel the old prefix and acquire a new one. If the latter is chosen, all products that have been sold to the market should be changed to its new item code.
Can greeting card companies use the special series of number given to them to products other than cards? The numbers given to them should be used purely for greeting cards, however, because of the request of the greeting card companies, GS1 Philippines allowed them to include some of the items as long as it is considered as consigned. If some of the items they carry were not in consignment basis, then they would have to request for additional numbers. |
